Real Economy - Essays in Ethnographic Theory

This collection explores how references to reality and the real economy are linked to utopias of collective well-being and dystopias of financial bubbles and busts, questioning how assemblages of vernacular and scientific realizations and enactments of the economy are linked to ideas of truth and moral value. It is a milestone collection in economic anthropology that crosses disciplinary boundaries and adds new life to social studies of the economy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2020
Publisher: HAU Society Of Ethnographic Theory

This collection showcases a central metaphor in contemporary discourse about economy and society. The contributors delve into the intricate connections between references to reality and the real economy, encompassing both the utopian visions of collective well-being, supported by tangible resources and robust economies, and the dystopian realities of financial bubbles and busts, where individuals' lives coincide with the collapse of their economic realities. Through an ambitious anthropology of economy, this volume explores the intricate relationships between assemblages of vernacular and scientific realizations and enactments of the economy, their relationship to notions of truth and moral value, and how these diverse and evolving realities become intertwined with the lived experiences of ordinary individuals. Spanning disciplinary boundaries, this volume represents a significant milestone in economic anthropology, enriching social studies of the economy with fresh perspectives and insights.

Introduction:
In contemporary discourse, the concept of the "real" has taken on a profound significance when discussing economy and society. It encompasses a range of meanings, from the material aspects of the economy to the broader social and cultural dimensions. This collection aims to explore the multifaceted nature of the real economy, examining how it intersects with ideas of truth, moral value, and the experiential lives of ordinary people.

The Metaphor of the Real Economy:
The metaphor of the real economy serves as a powerful lens through which to understand the complex dynamics of economic systems. It suggests that the economy is not merely an abstract construct, but a tangible and material reality that shapes the lives of individuals and communities. The contributors to this collection analyze how references to reality and the real economy are linked to both utopian visions of collective well-being and dystopian realities of financial instability.

Reality and the Real Economy:
One of the central themes in this collection is the relationship between reality and the real economy. Contributors explore how the concept of reality is constructed and contested, and how it is intertwined with the economic practices and institutions that shape everyday life. They examine how the formal realizations of the concept of the "real" in the governance of economies engage with the experiential lives of ordinary people, and how these realizations can either perpetuate or challenge existing power structures.

Vernacular Realities and Scientific Realizations:
Another important aspect of this collection is the exploration of the interplay between vernacular realities and scientific realizations of the economy. Contributors examine how different communities and individuals interpret and understand economic phenomena, and how these interpretations can shape economic practices and institutions. They also explore how scientific realizations of the economy are constructed and disseminated, and how they can influence policy decisions and public discourse.

The Entanglement of Realities:
The contributors to this collection argue that the real economy is not a separate entity from the broader social and cultural context in which it operates. Instead, they suggest that the economy is deeply entangled with other aspects of life, such as politics, culture, and the environment. They explore how these interconnections shape economic practices and outcomes, and how individuals and communities can respond to these challenges.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this collection offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the real economy, shedding light on the complex relationships between reality, the economy, and the lives of ordinary people. It highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the economy, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diverse and evolving realities that shape economic systems. By exploring the intersections of vernacular and scientific realizations and enactments of the economy, this collection contributes to a deeper understanding of the economic world and its impact on society.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912808267